On Thursday, Virginia Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton made history by using an artificial intelligence (AI) voice clone to speak in the House of Representatives. This cool technology allowed her to recreate her own voice from recordings she made before, which helped her communicate even though she has a condition called progressive supranuclear palsy. This condition makes it really hard for her to speak. Wexton is likely the first person to give a speech in Congress using an AI-generated voice, making this a big moment in political history.

Wexton’s health issues have made it tough for her to talk. Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare disease that affects how people move, balance, and speak. By using AI, Wexton found a way to get around some of these challenges, allowing her to keep participating in important discussions and fight for the people she represents. The AI program she used studied her past speeches and created a voice that sounds a lot like how she normally talks.

Wexton’s use of AI in Congress is important for more than just her situation. It raises questions about how technology can help people with disabilities in politics. As AI gets better, it could help more people communicate and be part of the decision-making process. Wexton’s innovative use of technology might encourage other lawmakers who face similar challenges to consider using AI in their work.

Finally, Wexton’s speech highlights how important it is for politics to be accessible to everyone. Being able to communicate well is key for lawmakers to do their jobs and connect with the people they serve. By using AI, Wexton not only improves her own ability to participate but also shows the need for more inclusive practices in government. This could start bigger conversations about how technology can help people with disabilities in many different areas.

Original news source: Lawmaker uses AI voice clone to address Congress (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into two teams. Each team takes turns acting out key concepts or terms from the article without speaking, while their teammates guess what it is. Encourage students to think of words like “artificial intelligence,” “speech,” “disability,” and “Congress.”

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Create a series of statements related to the article, such as “AI should be used more in politics” or “People with disabilities should have more representation.” Have students walk around the room and ask each other their opinions on these statements, tallying the results for a class discussion.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: In groups, students create a mind map on a large piece of paper. They should write “AI in Politics” at the center and branch out with related ideas from the article, such as “disabilities,” “communication,” and “innovation.” Each group presents their mind map to the class.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Students work in pairs to come up with catchy headlines for the article. Encourage them to think creatively and use persuasive language. Afterward, each pair shares their headline with the class and explains their choice.

– TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE
Instructions: Students think of three statements about the article: two truths and one lie. They share these statements with a partner, who must guess which one is the lie. After they reveal the lie, they can discuss why they chose their statements.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Who is Jennifer Wexton and what significant event did she participate in on Thursday?
2. What condition does Jennifer Wexton have that makes it difficult for her to speak?
3. How did Wexton use artificial intelligence to help her communicate in Congress?
4. Why is Wexton’s use of AI in her speech considered a historic moment?
5. What are some effects of progressive supranuclear palsy on a person’s abilities?
6. In what ways could Wexton’s use of AI inspire other lawmakers with similar challenges?
7. How does Wexton’s speech highlight the importance of accessibility in politics?
8. What broader conversations might Wexton’s use of technology in Congress lead to regarding people with disabilities?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

On Thursday, Virginia Congresswoman Jennifer (1)______ made (2)______ by using an artificial intelligence (AI) (3)______ clone to speak in the House of Representatives. This cool technology allowed her to recreate her own voice from recordings she made before, which (4)______ her communicate even though she has a condition called progressive supranuclear palsy. This condition makes it really hard for her to speak. Wexton is likely the first person to give a speech in Congress using an AI-generated voice, (5)______ this a big moment in (6)______ history.

Wexton’s (7)______ issues have made it tough for her to talk. Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare disease that affects how people move, (8)______, and speak. By using AI, Wexton found a way to get around some of these challenges, allowing her to keep participating in important discussions and fight for the people she represents. The AI program she used studied her past speeches and created a voice that sounds a lot like how she normally (9)______.

Wexton’s use of AI in Congress is important for more than just her situation. It raises questions about how technology can help people with disabilities in politics. As AI gets (10)______, it could help more people communicate and be part of the decision-making (11)______. Wexton’s innovative use of technology might encourage other lawmakers who face similar challenges to consider (12)______ AI in their work.

Finally, Wexton’s speech highlights how important it is for politics to be accessible to everyone. Being able to (13)______ well is key for lawmakers to do their jobs and connect with the (14)______ they serve. By using AI, Wexton not only improves her own ability to participate but also shows the need for more (15)______ practices in government. This could start (16)______ conversations about how technology can help people with disabilities in many different areas.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on using technology like AI to help people with disabilities?
2. How would you feel if you had to use a machine to speak for you?
3. Do you think it’s important for politicians to be able to communicate effectively? Why or why not?
4. What is a challenge you think people with disabilities face in everyday life?
5. How do you think technology will change the way we communicate in the future?
6. Do you like the idea of using AI to recreate someone’s voice? Why or why not?
7. What is a situation where you think technology has really helped someone?
8. How would you feel if you were in a position where you couldn’t speak for yourself?
9. Do you think more politicians should use technology to help them communicate? Why?
10. What is your experience with technology that helps people with disabilities?
11. How do you think Wexton’s use of AI might inspire others with similar challenges?
12. Do you think using AI in politics could change the way people view disabilities? Why or why not?
13. What is a way you think society can become more inclusive for people with disabilities?
14. How would you feel if you had to rely on technology for something as important as a speech?
15. Do you think everyone should have access to the same technology to help them communicate? Why?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. artificial
2. condition
3. supranuclear
4. palsy
5. recreate
6. communicate
7. participating
8. disabilities
9. innovative
10. lawmakers
11. accessible
12. inclusive
13. practices
14. encourage
15. decision-making

Meanings:
(A) Easy to reach or use
(B) A state of health or a medical problem
(C) Actions or ways of doing things
(D) People who create or pass laws
(E) The process of making choices or coming to conclusions
(F) Taking part in an activity or event
(G) New and creative, introducing new ideas
(H) Made by humans, not natural
(I) Including everyone, not leaving anyone out
(J) Physical or mental conditions that limit activities
(K) To give support or confidence to someone
(L) To share or exchange information
(M) To make something again or bring it back
(N) A disorder that affects movement or control of muscles
(O) Located above the nucleus in the brain
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Who made history by using an AI voice clone in the House of Representatives?
(a) Nancy Pelosi
(b) Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
(c) Jennifer Wexton
(d) Kamala Harris

2. What condition does Jennifer Wexton have that affects her ability to speak?
(a) Multiple sclerosis
(b) Progressive supranuclear palsy
(c) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(d) Parkinson’s disease

3. What technology did Wexton use to recreate her voice?
(a) Voice recognition software
(b) Speech-to-text program
(c) Audio editing software
(d) AI voice clone

4. What is one benefit of Wexton’s use of AI in her speech?
(a) It allows her to participate in discussions despite her health issues
(b) It makes her speeches longer and more detailed
(c) It eliminates the need for written speeches
(d) It allows her to speak in multiple languages

5. What does Wexton’s use of AI raise questions about?
(a) The effectiveness of traditional speech methods
(b) The future of AI in entertainment
(c) How technology can help people with disabilities in politics
(d) The role of social media in politics

6. What might Wexton’s innovative use of technology encourage other lawmakers to do?
(a) Avoid using technology in politics
(b) Consider using AI in their work
(c) Focus only on traditional methods of communication
(d) Limit their public speaking engagements

7. Why is communication important for lawmakers?
(a) It allows them to avoid public speaking
(b) It makes their jobs easier without challenges
(c) It reduces the need for meetings
(d) It helps them connect with the people they serve

8. What larger conversation could Wexton’s speech start?
(a) How technology can help people with disabilities in various areas
(b) The impact of social media on political campaigns
(c) The importance of traditional communication methods
(d) The role of youth in politics

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Wexton’s speech downplays the significance of making politics accessible to everyone.
2. Wexton’s use of AI raises questions about how technology can assist people with disabilities in politics.
3. The AI program developed a voice for Wexton by transcribing her past speeches.
4. Wexton has a condition called progressive supranuclear palsy, which makes it difficult for her to speak.
5. Virginia Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton used an AI voice clone to speak in the House of Representatives.
6. Her innovative approach may inspire other lawmakers with similar challenges to use AI in their work.
7. The use of AI in her speech might not spark broader discussions about technology assisting people with disabilities in various fields.
8. She is probably not the first person to give a speech in Congress using an AI-generated voice.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. Why did Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton use an AI voice clone to speak in the House of Representatives?
2. What condition does Wexton have, and how does it affect her ability to communicate?
3. How does Wexton’s use of AI in Congress impact other lawmakers with similar challenges?
4. What are some potential benefits of using technology like AI for people with disabilities in politics?
5. Why is it important for politics to be accessible to everyone, according to the article?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Who is Jennifer Wexton and what significant event did she participate in on Thursday?
Jennifer Wexton is a Congresswoman from Virginia who made history by using an artificial intelligence voice clone to speak in the House of Representatives.

2. What condition does Jennifer Wexton have that makes it difficult for her to speak?
Jennifer Wexton has progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition that affects her ability to speak.

3. How did Wexton use artificial intelligence to help her communicate in Congress?
Wexton used AI to recreate her own voice from past recordings, allowing her to speak in Congress despite her condition.

4. Why is Wexton’s use of AI in her speech considered a historic moment?
Wexton’s use of AI is historic because she is likely the first person to give a speech in Congress using an AI-generated voice.

5. What are some effects of progressive supranuclear palsy on a person’s abilities?
Progressive supranuclear palsy affects movement, balance, and speech, making it hard for individuals to communicate.

6. In what ways could Wexton’s use of AI inspire other lawmakers with similar challenges?
Wexton’s use of AI might encourage other lawmakers facing similar difficulties to consider using technology to help them communicate and participate.

7. How does Wexton’s speech highlight the importance of accessibility in politics?
Wexton’s speech shows that communication is essential for lawmakers to do their jobs and connect with their constituents, emphasizing the need for more accessible practices in government.

8. What broader conversations might Wexton’s use of technology in Congress lead to regarding people with disabilities?
Wexton’s use of technology could spark discussions about how AI and other technologies can assist people with disabilities in various fields, not just politics.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Wexton
(2) history
(3) voice
(4) helped
(5) making
(6) political
(7) health
(8) balance
(9) talks
(10) better
(11) process
(12) using
(13) communicate
(14) people
(15) inclusive
(16) bigger
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. artificial
Answer: (H) Made by humans, not natural

2. condition
Answer: (B) A state of health or a medical problem

3. supranuclear
Answer: (O) Located above the nucleus in the brain

4. palsy
Answer: (N) A disorder that affects movement or control of muscles

5. recreate
Answer: (M) To make something again or bring it back

6. communicate
Answer: (L) To share or exchange information

7. participating
Answer: (F) Taking part in an activity or event

8. disabilities
Answer: (J) Physical or mental conditions that limit activities

9. innovative
Answer: (G) New and creative, introducing new ideas

10. lawmakers
Answer: (D) People who create or pass laws

11. accessible
Answer: (A) Easy to reach or use

12. inclusive
Answer: (I) Including everyone, not leaving anyone out

13. practices
Answer: (C) Actions or ways of doing things

14. encourage
Answer: (K) To give support or confidence to someone

15. decision-making
Answer: (E) The process of making choices or coming to conclusions
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Who made history by using an AI voice clone in the House of Representatives?
Answer: (c) Jennifer Wexton

2. What condition does Jennifer Wexton have that affects her ability to speak?
Answer: (b) Progressive supranuclear palsy

3. What technology did Wexton use to recreate her voice?
Answer: (d) AI voice clone

4. What is one benefit of Wexton’s use of AI in her speech?
Answer: (a) It allows her to participate in discussions despite her health issues

5. What does Wexton’s use of AI raise questions about?
Answer: (c) How technology can help people with disabilities in politics

6. What might Wexton’s innovative use of technology encourage other lawmakers to do?
Answer: (b) Consider using AI in their work

7. Why is communication important for lawmakers?
Answer: (d) It helps them connect with the people they serve

8. What larger conversation could Wexton’s speech start?
Answer: (a) How technology can help people with disabilities in various areas
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Wexton’s speech downplays the significance of making politics accessible to everyone. (Answer: False)
2. Wexton’s use of AI raises questions about how technology can assist people with disabilities in politics. (Answer: True)
3. The AI program developed a voice for Wexton by transcribing her past speeches. (Answer: False)
4. Wexton has a condition called progressive supranuclear palsy, which makes it difficult for her to speak. (Answer: True)
5. Virginia Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton used an AI voice clone to speak in the House of Representatives. (Answer: True)
6. Her innovative approach may inspire other lawmakers with similar challenges to use AI in their work. (Answer: True)
7. The use of AI in her speech might not spark broader discussions about technology assisting people with disabilities in various fields. (Answer: False)
8. She is probably not the first person to give a speech in Congress using an AI-generated voice. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧